YouSaid · the spoken record

Vrailas

lines on the record

423

first

2011-08-26

most recent

2016-08-23

sittings or episodes

43

sources

un-security-council

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1. “Definitive and clear decisions by the relevant Afghan authorities, in consultation with parliament, political parties and civil society, on the system and registration process to be used for elections are needed, both to enable international support to the processes, in particular by the United Nations, and to allow for clear communication and voter education. Allow me to reiterate our full support for the essential role of UNAMA during the transition and beyond. The political role of UNAMA in advising and assisting the Afghan Government is of central importance, not the least in the perspective of the elections in 2014 and 2015. UNAMA must be properly mandated and adequately resourced to fulfil that role.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source

2. “We welcome the commitment of the Afghan Government to its full implementation through the establishment of the inter-ministerial steering committee on resolution 1325 (2000). We welcome the announcement of the date for the presidential election. It will be critical for Afghanistan's future that elections are inclusive and transparent, and lead to an outcome that is widely accepted as legitimate. We call on the Afghan authorities to engage all political parties and civil society in agreeing to reform the electoral process, based on lessons learned from previous elections. In particular, it will be important to put in place a legal framework consistent with the Constitution, with credible measures to prevent fraud, and overseen by independent bodies.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source

3. “Progress will be sustainable only if the peace and reconciliation process is truly inclusive, not only engaging armed groups, but fully involving civil society and including a balanced representation of people from all regions and sections of Afghan society, in particular Afghan women. Both the process and its outcome must respect the principles set out by the Afghan Government and the international community at Bonn, including the human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution. We also encourage particular attention to the progressive implementation of the Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women. The European Union wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to resolution 1325 (2000) and all subsequent resolutions on women and peace and security.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source

4. “The implementation of the Tokyo Framework remains paramount to achieving a successful transition and transformation in Afghanistan. Without consistent delivery on commitments and the implementation of reforms on good governance and transparency, the rule of law and human rights, the international community will find it increasingly difficult to defend a continued commitment and allocation of financial resources vis-a-vis domestic constituencies. In this statement, we want to focus on two topics, namely, progress on national reconciliation and preparations for the upcoming election. We welcome the visit of the Afghan High Peace Council to Pakistan and the increased dialogue between the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source

5. “The international Conferences held in Bonn last year and in Kabul and Tokyo earlier this year, as well as the Summit in Chicago, have reaffirmed the partnership between the Government of Afghanistan and the international community for Afghanistan's long-term security, economic growth and development. Those Conferences have set out the way forward for Afghanistan to progressively assume responsibility for all aspects of policy and to achieve its security, development and governance goals. In the EU statement in the Security Council debate on Afghanistan in September (see S/PV.6840), we briefly highlighted the important outcome of the Tokyo Conference, in particular the principle of mutual accountability encapsulated in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework, and addressed the importance of regional cooperation.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source

6. “I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; the European Free Trade Association country Norway, member of the European Economic Area; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2012/907) and Special Representative Jan Kubis for his briefing and for the work that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) does under his leadership.”

   2012-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6896 (2012) · source

7. “Continued containment and deterrence by naval forces, appropriate measures to provide protection to merchant shipping, actions to end impunity, building regional capacities and forging solutions on land all need to come together. The key issues here are timing, sequencing and coordination.”

   2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source

8. “Although there are differences in methodology- pirates in the Gulf of Guinea focus more on cargo than on hostage-taking - the destabilizing and detrimental effects on the fishing, trade and development activities of the local population are similar. Through the Critical Maritime Routes programme, the European Union is supporting countries in the Gulf of Guinea in their efforts to establish regional maritime security mechanisms, share information and coordinate law enforcement. In conclusion, none of the actions described can solve piracy on its own. There is no silver bullet. The European Union supports an integrated approach.”

   2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source

9. “EU member States, supported by the European Police Office, are also active in investigations and in prosecution efforts. The effectiveness of international efforts to counter piracy depends also on full respect for the applicable international law and the flag State jurisdiction in international waters. We remain deeply concerned by a specific case of disregard of basic principles of international law concerning the status of military personnel in action duty as vessel-protection detachments in an official counter-piracy mission, and the flag State jurisdiction in international waters. Finally, allow me to re-emphasize that the EU is convinced that only the establishment of the rule of law and economic development will undermine the breeding ground for organized crime in Somalia.”

   2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source

10. “We look forward to close cooperation with the new Somali Government in ending the culture of impunity. The international community should increase its efforts to build law-enforcement and justice capacity in Somalia, and assist in promoting the growth of economic opportunities. Piracy networks can operate only if they are given the necessary space on land, and we need to provide incentives to communities to deprive them of that possibility. Efforts need to continue to pursue piracy network leaders, financiers and instigators and to track and disrupt financial flows. Their "risk/reward" ratio needs to increase, and the underlying business model needs to be broken. The EU is actively supporting INTERPOL in its work to improve the evidence base and capacities of the countries in the region to investigate crimes of piracy.”

    2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source

11. “The EU has launched EUCAP Nestor, a new regional maritime capacity-building mission which aims to strengthen the capacity of States in Somalia and the Indian Ocean to govern their territorial waters effectively and to reinforce their ability to fight maritime crime. The mission complements other programmes in the region. We fully agree with the Secretary-General's observations and see the need to increase support to programmes and initiatives that will limit the ability of groups of pirates to operate from land while maintaining the pressure at sea. Key to this will be the ability of the Somali Government to regain control of its territory, to which the EU is contributing in a variety of ways, including by providing training to the Somali defence forces.”

    2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source

12. “Somali piracy is at its lowest levels since 2008, and the progress noted in the second half of 2011 has continued in 2012. For the first time, the number of disruptions by naval forces and other military units is higher than the number of attacks. The efforts of the European Union Naval Force's Operation Atalanta and others are commendable, as is the cooperation with other partners in full adherence to the principles of international law. Nevertheless, despite the recent success achieved in the fight against piracy, we believe that this is not the time for complacency. Key capabilities of criminal networks remain, and current trends can easily be reversed. We should exploit this moment of opportunity and further reinvigorate our counter-piracy efforts in a twin approach, at sea and on land.”

    2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source

13. “Mr. Vrailas: I wish at the outset to extend warm thanks to India for having taken this very important initiative and to Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson for his presentation. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this statement. The European Union (EU) remains fully committed to the fight against piracy. It is not acceptable that criminal gangs are continuing to take international shipping lanes hostage and bring suffering to seafarers and their families. However, we see positive signs.”

    2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source

14. “I would like to conclude by stressing that, while we have witnessed significant progress in the fight against terrorism, we should not lower our guard. We should continue our joint efforts as terrorist threats systematically adapt to the changing environment. Therefore, unwavering commitment and a comprehensive and global response are continually needed.”

    2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source

15. “The EU member States engage actively in the promotion of the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004), and to that end in June Lithuania hosted a workshop for countries bordering the Baltic Sea and for representatives from a number of international, regional and subregional organizations. In July 2012, Poland organized a workshop on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), with a focus on innovative approaches to capacity-building and assistance. Countries representing Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as representatives of the EU, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, NATO, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, took part in the workshop.”

    2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source

16. “We are looking forward to the special event devoted to the pertinent issue of the financing of terrorism scheduled to take place on 20 November. I would like to make a few remarks on the non-proliferation regime under resolution 1540 (2004). The risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. No single Member State can handle the threat alone and therefore continuous cooperation, exchange of information and outreach activities and assistance play an important role in building capacity to counter the threat of weapons of mass destruction being used by terrorists. The workload of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) is increasing significantly, and for that reason we commend efforts to reinforce the group of experts.”

    2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source

17. “We look forward to the forthcoming renewal of the mandate of the Ombudsperson in December. We support the further enhancement of the Ombudsperson's Office and underline the importance of fully equipping it with all the resources necessary. We call upon all Member States to continue full cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsperson in each and every case. The third biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy puts on a solid footing all United Nations efforts towards countering and preventing terrorism. We welcome the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001). With regard, in particular, to the Committee's work on enhancing State capacity, we would like to commend the seminars organized in Kuala Lumpur and Algiers, as well as the workshop for Maghreb and Sahel States.”

    2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source

18. “We are of the view that protecting human rights and ensuring respect for the rule of law are of critical importance in achieving the ultimate goal of countering and preventing terrorism. We therefore welcome the fact that the Security Council has taken significant steps to further reinforce fair and clear procedures in the Al-Qaida sanctions regime, particularly through the enhanced mandate of the Ombudsperson introduced by resolution 1989 (2011). We commend and highly value the Ombudsperson's work. The Office ofthe Ombudsperson provides listed individuals and entities seeking removal from the consolidated list the guarantee that they can put their case for delisting before the United Nations authorities through an administrative review process that includes an independent and impartial body.”

    2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source

19. “Mr. Vrailas: I am speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. At the outset, I thank the Committee Chairs for their comprehensive updates and summaries of actions and initiatives taken within the past six months. We remain convinced that the work of all three Committees is of pivotal importance to countering and preventing the evolving threat of terrorism. We also remain committed to their full implementation.”

    2012-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6862 (2012) · source

20. “We remain ready to provide the necessary assistance to support progress towards Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective. It is that approach and that European perspective that will take the country forward on its reform agenda, towards stability and development, on its path to the European Union.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

21. “We nevertheless remain committed in the area of the rule of law and have established a Law Enforcement Section in the EU office. We also continue to provide considerable pre-accession assistance. In the context of the overall strategy of the EU for Bosnia and Herzegovina, we look forward to continuing in the appropriate forum the discussion with the international community on the reconfiguration of the international presence and call on the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet the outstanding objectives and conditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. The European Union reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

22. “While the overall security situation has remained calm and stable and Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities have proven capable of dealing with threats to the security environment so far, Ministers last month confirmed that the European Union is ready to keep the multinational stabilization European Union Force-Operation Althea focused on capacity-building and training, while also retaining the capability to contribute to the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities' deterrence capacity, if the situation so requires, by continuing an executive military role in support of Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment under a renewed United Nations mandate. Separately, as a sign of progress, the European Union concluded the operations of its civilian police monitoring mission on 30 June.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

23. “It further increased its presence in 2012, including in the field, by opening regional offices in Mostar and Brcko and increasing the size of the regional office in Banja Luka. The EU Special Representative and Head of Delegation is also offering the EU Force Commander political guidance on military issues with a local political dimension, in particular concerning sensitive operations and relations with local authorities and the local media. The European Union also continues to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress in the security field.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

24. “The European Union also welcomes the decision to suspend international supervision in the Brcko District, taken at the last meeting of the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board meeting in May, and the accompanying closure of the High Representative's Office in Brcko on 31 August. Since September 2011, the European Union has strengthened its political presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to facilitate its progress towards European integration. The European Union is now represented by a single EU presence on the ground - the EU Special Representative and Head of Delegation - which is fully engaged in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in all EU-related matters.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

25. “In particular, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to urgently bring its Constitution into compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights and to implement the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdie-Finci case. That will allow the European Union to take a decision on the entering into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina, paving the way for further steps forward, including a credible EU membership application. The European Union also strongly encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward in the implementation of the road map agreed among its political leaders in the high-level dialogue on the EU accession process. The role of the road map is to facilitate the implementation of the key requirements in Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards Europe.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

26. “To make credible progress on meeting those challenges requires that Bosnia and Herzegovina move forward on the European path. During their joint visit to Sarajevo on 30 October, High Representative and European Commission Vice-President Ashton and United States Secretary of State Clinton jointly highlighted those priorities and reaffirmed their commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's future. The European Union believes that it is critical that Bosnia and Herzegovina's obligations under the interim Stabilization and Association Agreement are fulfilled as a matter of priority. Failing that, the country would not be in a position to make the progress on its path towards European integration that its citizens expect and to which they are entitled.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

27. “We therefore encourage the Security Council, as well as the European Union and others that are working towards that end, both on the ground and within the wider international community, to send a message of support for the efforts of Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leadership. The recent political instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, both at the State and Federation levels, has weakened the earlier positive momentum in the implementation of the reform agenda. Following the municipal elections on 7 October, the European Union has stepped up its engagement with the country's authorities in order to underline the responsibility of political leaders to constructively address today's pressing challenges. Those include in particular the rule of law, the economy, jobs and social welfare.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

28. “In addition, there were important signs of progress in the first half of 2012, with strong support from the European Union. That proves that moving forward is possible. Yet the political and economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be difficult. The lack of progress in implementing the necessary political and economic reforms, the continued use of divisive rhetoric, and deeply rooted divisions among political parties continue to cause a considerable headwind for the efforts of those who want to see Bosnia and Herzegovina as a stable, Viable, multi-ethnic, prosperous and united State, cooperating peacefully with its neighbours and irreversibly on track towards EU membership.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

29. “Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The acceding country Croatia, the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Iceland, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Albania, the European Free Trade Association country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. I join other speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Council and express our support for him and his Office. Some five weeks ago, Bosnia and Herzegovina held local elections, which, it should be noted, took place in an overall satisfactory manner, although they were postponed in Mostar.”

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

30. “It will also ensure alignment with the new deal of the g7+. As the focus is shifting from security and stability to development issues, we encourage others to remain strongly engaged as well in support of Timor-Leste's developmentprocess. We are confident that Timor-Leste will continue to be a successful example of national leadership in institution-building and socioeconomic development.”

    2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source

31. “We commend Timor-Leste's achievements at the regional and international level, in particular through establishing strong and cordial ties with its neighbours and through its driving role as co-Chair ofthe Group of Seven Plus (g7+). We welcome Timor-Leste's candidacy for membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, its active role within the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries and its integration into the Pacific through cooperation under the Pacific Island Forum's regional programme. In conclusion, we have stood by Timor-Leste's side through challenging times and remain committed to do so in the future. We are currently preparing our development support for 2014 to 2020 in close consultation with national authorities, which will, of course, be based on Timor-Leste's National Strategic Development Plan.”

    2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source

32. “We therefore look forward to the National Parliament's renewed discussions on the two draft laws on the memorial institute and reparations, and on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. We believe that, following UNMIT'S departure, the United Nations presence in Timor-Leste for the coming years should be designed to support the ongoing consolidation efforts and to build on the significant achievements of UNMIT's activities to date, in close coordination with the Timorese authorities. We acknowledge the preferences expressed by Timor-Leste in that regard and stand ready to support the outcome of the discussions between Timor-Leste's Government and the United Nations.”

    2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source

33. “To address those challenges it is important, in our view, to build on the progress already made and to focus on the effective implementation of the remainder of the Joint Transition Plan, as well as the reforms already endorsed. We welcome the new Government's five-year programme, as well as the Strategic Development Plan, which aims to further advance the previous Government's actions and to set a course for a sustainable future. In that regard, we underline the importance of a continuous focus on the rule of law, human rights and access to justice. In that context, it will be important to maintain the engagement of, and support by, the international community. We furthermore firmly believe that reconciliation is an important precondition for long-term stability.”

    2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source

34. “Since the Security Council debate on UNMIT in February (see S/PV.6720), Timor-Leste has witnessed several new milestones, including successful and peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections, as observed by an EU election observation mission. The withdrawal of UNMIT by the end of this year, 10 years after the country regained its independence, is a logical step on that path and a clear sign of Timor-Leste's national commitment to consolidate the capacity of its institutions. However, as noted by the Secretary-General in his latest report (S/2012/765), several challenges remain, in particular as a result of persisting human resource capacity constraints, namely, in socioeconomic development and justice.”

    2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source

35. “On the eve of the departure of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the successive Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and to all UNMIT personnel for their substantial contributions. Finally, I join others in thanking Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Finn Reske-Nielsen, for his briefing and the Minister of State and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Mr. Jose Luis Guterres, for his statement. Over the past decade, Timor-Leste has accomplished impressive progress in terms of stability, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and economic growth.”

    2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source

36. “Mr. Vrailas: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The acceding country Croatia, the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. First and foremost, I congratulate the current and preceding Timor-Leste Governments for the tremendous progress made towards stabilization and recovery since the restoration of independence in 2002.”

    2012-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6859 (2012) · source

37. “In conclusion, we fully support the extension of the Mission's mandate until 31 December 2012 and we look forward to the next Secretary-General's report assessing the elections and providing recommendations on the way forward to the successful completion of UNMIT's mandate and the eventual establishment of a post-UNMIT United Nations presence in Timor-Leste.”

    2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source

38. “We have stood by Timor-Leste's side through its challenging times and remain committed to doing so in the future. As the focus is shifting from security and stability to development issues, the international community should remain strongly engaged. With the adoption of the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan, the implementation of the new deal for engagement in fragile States and the continuous efforts of development partners, we are confident that Timor- Leste will continue to be a successful example in terms of State-building and socio-economic development.”

    2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source

39. “Turning to the post-UNMIT landscape, we believe that the necessary decisions need to be taken in coordination between the Timorese Government and the United Nations. Whichever setup is decided upon, from a European perspective it should be designed to ensure a smooth transition, without any significant gaps, and to preserve the considerable achievements of UNMIT's activities to date. We also believe that appropriate follow-up needs to be ensured of UNMIT's important work on, among other things, justice, the rule of law and human rights, including through a continuation of support to the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice. In that context, the creation of a local office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights could also be an option worth exploring.”

    2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source

40. “A decision on the deployment of such a mission will be taken in the immediate weeks thereafter. In addition to consolidating democracy, reconciliation remains an important precondition for Timor-Leste's long-term stability. We call on the National Parliament to resume discussions on the two draft laws on the memorial institute and reparations, and on the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. Another element that in our view requires continued attention is security sector reform. Although considerable progress has been achieved as regards higher standards of professionalism and discipline, accountability mechanisms and the integrity of the security forces, we encourage Timor-Leste to continue and to consolidate its efforts.”

    2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source

41. “We share the Secretary-General's positive appraisal of the steady progress in preparing the presidential and parliamentary elections. Particularly encouraging is the constructive and responsible manner in which political leaders, security forces and civil society have been interacting, at the national and local levels, to ensure a safe and responsible electoral process, consistent with previous occasions. In view of the coming electoral period and the challenges created thereby, continued close cooperation between the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste and the United Nations police, as mutually agreed, remains important. Next week an EU election exploratory mission will visit Timor-Leste to assess the merit and feasibility of an EU election observation mission for the upcoming parliamentary elections.”

    2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source

42. “I would also like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ameerah Haq for her briefing. Her team's efforts towards stabilization and recovery deserve much praise. We also commend the thorough way in which the team is preparing for the departure of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and the necessary transition of the work of the international community. Over the years, Timor-Leste has accomplished impressive progress in terms of stability, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and economic growth. It has demonstrated to the international community its resolve to stay the course, with this year's elections as yet another important milestone. The gradual downsizing and proposed ultimate withdrawal of UNMIT by the end of this election year are logical steps on that path.”

    2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source

43. “Mr. Vrailas: Thank you, Mr. President, for giving the floor to the European Union (EU). The acceding country Croatia, the candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Iceland, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Serbia, and the European Free Trade Association country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this declaration. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate President Ramos-Horta and the Government of Timor- Leste on the continued progress as manifestly spelled out in the Secretary-General's report before us (S/2012/43). The Government's leadership in fostering peace, unity and development continues to bear fruit.”

    2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source

44. “Allow me to end by reiterating that we have stood firmly by Timor-Leste's side in the past and will continue to do so in future. We look forward to the 2012 deliverables: successful elections and further progress in the transition process.”

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source

45. “In that regard, we welcome the national strategic development plan 2011- 2030, as presented by the Government of Timor-Leste in July 2011. The plan represents a very valuable framework that provides guidance for coordinating and channelling our support, thus further improving aid effectiveness. We are highly committed to supporting the implementation of this plan in a spirit of partnership, mutual trust and accountability, including the increased use of reliable country systems. The recently announced creation of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) working group for Timorese membership in ASEAN is a significant step towards developing Timor-Leste's closer economic, political and people-to-people ties with South-East Asia.”

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source

46. “The efforts of both the Government and non-governmental organizations are to be praised. Timor-Leste has also made further progress towards improving accountability for past human rights violations. We firmly believe, however, that reconciliation remains an important precondition for long-term stability. The National Parliament is strongly encouraged to resume discussions on the two draft laws on a memorial institute and reparations at the earliest possible date, as well as on other steps to implement the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. Timor-Leste has seen accelerated progress in many aspects of its economic and social development. At the same time, the country still faces challenges in the process of fully realizing its potential for equitable and sustainable development.”

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source

47. “Throughout 2011, considerable progress has been made in the transition process. The joint transition plan, which places capacity-building at its core, is very welcome in this regard. The strengthening of institutional and human capacities is of great importance to a successful transition process. These activities are therefore also at the heart of the EU assistance programme. Continued discussion of the architecture of the future United Nations presence, an important element of a sustainable transition, will be necessary. In this regard, the Timorese authorities should be decisive in the definition of the modality of a United Nations presence in the country after UNMIT. Timor-Leste's constructive participation in the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review deserves special mention.”

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source

48. “The successful handover of primary policing responsibilities to Timor- Leste's national police without a negative impact on the crime situation is particularly noteworthy. While commending this progress, we would like to stress that the security forces need to live up to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. In this regard, we recognize the continued importance of a comprehensive review and reform of the entire security sector. While recognizing the existence of potential security challenges, we are confident that the election process will be free and fair and held in a peaceful context. We welcome the continued willingness of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) to provide operational support to the national police during this period, if required and requested by the Timorese authorities.”

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source

49. “The constructive and responsible way in which political leaders and civil society have been interacting under the so-called Maubisse initiative is particularly encouraging and indicative of the broad commitment within Timor- Leste society to democracy and dialogue. Beyond its ongoing assistance in the preparations of the elections, the European Union is currently examining an invitation by the Government of Timor- Leste to send an election observation mission. I can assure the Council that we are considering this request with a friendly eye. EU election observation missions can be of tremendous value, as the missions in 2002 and 2007 have shown. The maintenance of public security and the progress made towards strengthening the security institutions, as noted in the report of the Secretary- General, are welcome developments.”

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source

50. “Let me start by congratulating Foreign Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa with the progress described in the excellent report of the Secretary-General before us (S/2011/64l). We commend his Government's leadership and strong political commitment to fostering peace, unity and development. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ameerah Haq for the quality and insightfulness of her briefing. The European Union commends her team's efforts in ensuring good donor coordination and in keeping development partners briefed and consulted on the joint transition plan. The preparations of the 2012 elections are progressing in a positive manner.”

    2011-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6664 (2011) · source